Doreen’s Black Country DVD - review

Perhaps surprisingly, the Lazy Cow takes it upon herself to answer the eternal Black Country dilemma – where is the Black Country?

As she points out, no two Black Country folk will ever agree where or what the Black Country is. So in her latest DVD, Doreen sets out on her Grand Tour to reveal her very own Black Country.

Told as only a true Black Country wench can, this is the kind of history and geography lesson that schoolchildren can only dream of.

With complete irreverence, a heart-felt fondness and lashings of Black Country humour, Doreen offers her own unique take on the people, places and history of the region.

As well as discovering some of the fine arts on her expedition, some two hours of viewing, Doreen also discovers ‘the dark arts and some martial arts’.

Her eye-opening journey is not without personal sacrifice having to stay awake for as much as eight hours though she does seem to find a comfy sofa in some of the most unusual places.

There is plenty of humour as Doreen sets about her investigations – with many of the ‘loffs’ coming from her loyal, quite unique, subjects.

Among the Black Country characters who make it onto the DVD are Colin the chatty 82-year-old underwear salesman at Brierley Hill market and fellow trader ‘Bruce the Butcher of Brierley Hill’ who gives us his take on world politics and Trump’s Wall (to keep the Brummies out) as well as dancing 73-year-old ‘apprentice’ Ken.

There is Simon the canal man/Peaky Blinders actor in Dudley, Ade the Wing Chun expert at Priory Park boxing club, Walsall town crier Cyril and even the Express & Star’s own archivist Adam Phillips who has ‘taken his loffing pill’ as he tells how he almost crushed a former editor to death!

Regularly waving the Black Country Flag, the Grand Tour takes in The Nether Regions (!), Dud-lay; Walsall, Wul-vrampton and, of course, she enjoys a homecoming at her beloved Tipton.

Our Doreen is treated like royalty as she tours the region meeting VIPs and hounded by selfie photo hunters.

The gems of the Black Country to get a ‘royal’ visit include Dudley Castle and Zoo where she encounters a frisky male tapir, Priory Park boxing club where we discover Doreen can pack a punch, The Dog House antiques shop in Walsall, Molineux, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Dunstall Park, Mad O’Rourke’s Pie Factory and the Express & Star offices where she turns the tables on editor Keith Harrison to give him a grilling.

A highlight for many will be the ‘rare interview’ with Wolves ‘leg-end’ Steve who also hails from Tipton and made his acting debut in Doreen ­– The Movie.

Reflecting on her tour, Doreen counts her blessings remembering the wonderful places and people she has met and realising there are worse places to live than Tipton – though she can’t immediately think of any.

Much of the DVD will resonate with the proud people of the Black Country and whether she answers the Black Country dilemma or not, Doreen’s tour does highlight the kindred spirit, sense of community and humour that binds the people of our region.

She describes the Pie Factory as ‘mad, warm and friendly’ – she may well have been describing the Black Country.

This is a must-watch for anyone proud to be a Black Country mon or wench, is interested in our region’s fine heritage - or anyone who simply enjoys a bit of a loff.

Long live Doreen, Queen of the Black Country.

The DVD is now available at the website www.doreen.tv